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PART II: ISLAM AND CIVILIZATION LESSON 10 ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION 1.0 Introduction In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. There were many civilizations throughout human life in this world. Nobody can deny the huge contributions of the civilization in the past including Islamic civilization to the world especially in the fields of knowledge and human rights. In fact, the Islamic civilization was more universal and balance as compared to other civilizations that existed. The impact of Islamic civilization still can be seen at many places around the world today. By the way, what is Islamic civilization, its sources, characteristics, uniqueness and its contribution to the world and human civilization? All these questions will be addressed in this lesson. 2.0 Learning Outcomes By the end of lesson, the students should able to: 2.1 Explain the meaning of civilization and Islamic civilization 2.2 Discuss sources of Islamic civilization 2.3 Identify and discuss the characteristics of Islamic civilization 2.4 Explain the differences between Islamic and secular/western civilization 2.5 Explain the greatness of Islamic civilization 2.6 Discuss the contributions of Islamic civilization to the world 3.0 List of Topics 3.1 The Meaning of Meaning of Civilization and Concept of Islamic Civilization 3.2 The Sources of Islamic Civilization 3.3 The Characteristics of Islamic Civilization 3.4 The Differences Between Islamic and Secular/Western Civilization 3.5 The Greatness of Islamic Civilization 3.6 The Contributions of Islamic Civilization to the World 4.0 Terminologies 4.1 Devine revelation Wahy ( )وحيfrom Allah SWT to Prophet Muhammad SAW 4.2 ‘Umran Features and the development of a society 1 4.3 Hadarah Permanent life in a place as an opposite to moving from one place to another (badwi). 4.4 Metallurgy The science that deals with procedures used in extracting metals from their ores, purifying and alloying metals, and creating useful objects from metals 5.0 Topics 5.1 The Meaning of Meaning of Civilization and Concept of Islamic Civilization 5.1.1 Presentation Civilization is a word used to describe a state of achievement in human history. The word civilization is derived for the Latin word ‘civis’ and ‘civitas’. ‘Civis’ mean ‘citizen’ or ‘townsman’ while ‘civitas’ means ‘town’ or ‘city’. There are various definitions of the word civilization. In general, ‘civilization’ means an advanced state of moral, intellectual, and technological development (e.g., with complex legal, political, religious, and cultural organizations. A contemporary Muslim scholar, Dr. Yusof al-Qaradhawi defines civilization as a series of highly developed, materialistic, scientific, literary and social aspects of particular society or of similar society. In Islamic civilization, the word ‘tamaddun’ is used to describe civilization. The root word of “Tamaddun” is ‘din’ which means religion or description of religious life. Then, the word is expanded to “madanna” that refers to the opening of city then it becomes ‘madinah’ which means city or urban dwelling-place. Normally, in the development of civilization, a high stage of civilization is only achievable in cities (close to rivers) with many in habitants, enough crops and goods for trade, division of labor and technology achievement. Thus, the word tamaddun is used for civilization. Besides the word tamaddun, there are other terms associated to civilization i.e ‘umran and hadarah. ‘Umran refers to features and the development of a society while hadarah describes the permanent life in a place as an opposite to moving from one place to another (badwi). All civilizations are based on religion. Every great civilization such as Ancient Egyptian, Assyrian and Sumerian had a distinct system of Holy Scriptures, moral codes and laws. In Islamic civilization, Islamic teachings are basis of tamaddun. Prophets are considered as the founders of human civilization. They were chosen leaders of their communities and introduced just laws (land ownership, tax system), established high standards of morality, 2 and succeeded in uniting their communities and achieved a high level of cooperation and loyalty between its members. وعلّمهم الكتاب والحكمة The prophets were taught by Allah SWT the art of writing and recording (kitabah) and wisdom (hikmah), and thus were able to lead their societies in terms of just laws and ways of administration (landownership, taxation, written law, courts of justice). 5.1.2 Activities From the definition the word tamaddun, ‘umran and hadarah above, can you extract the nature of a civilization? Discuss with your colleagues. 5.2. The Sources of Islamic Civilization 5.2.1 Presentation The Islamic civilization was not based on Arabic civilization ao any other civilizataion that existed before the advent of Islam as claimed by some western orientalists like Toynbee who has accused that Islamic civilization was based on previous civilization such as Mesopotamia and Greek. The accusation is totally wrong as the Islamic civilization has its own sources as follow: a) Devine revelation This refers to al-Quran and al-Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW. The Islamic civilization a very distinguished civilization as it is guided by the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who is All-Knowing about the needs of His creations. b) Thinking Thinking is a second source in building Islamic civilization which is also a directive and encouragement from Al-Quran and al-Sunnah. There are many Quranic verses that command Muslims to think. Through thinking, many things can be discovered for the formulation of civilization c) Discovery and new invention This source connected to the thinking in the sense of doing research, observation, experiment, assessment, statistics, analysis, review and 3 summation. Those activities that were based on Islamic teachings had led to many new discoveries and inventions in the past civilization. d) Modification and reformation Islamic civilization also was enriched by external elements which were adopted from other civilizations. The adoption of external elements is allowed in Islam as long as those elements do not contradict with ‘aqeedah, shari’ah and akhlaq of Islam. During the period of Abbasiyyah Empire, a large campaign was held to translate books from other civilization such Persian and Greece into Arabic language. 5.2.3 Activities Find out four achievements of Muslims in the past in field of science. 5.3 The Characteristics of Islamic Civilization 5.3.1 Presentation Do you know, by relating our discussion to Lesson 3 on “Characteristics of Islam”, you actually can assume the characteristics of Islamic civilization. Among the characteristics are universal, tolerance, comprehensive, unity in diversity, continuity and balance between spiritual and material. Universality Islamic civilization is not confined to a certain nation or a certain place. It is a universal civilization built by Muslims for all people in the world, regardless their race, language, culture, or location. Islamic civilization owns its greatness to the contributions of Persian, European, African, and Asian Muslims the like. Manifestations of Islamic civilization can be found in all parts of the world, not only in Arab countries, but from Europe to the east. Tolerance Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: “Whoever commits injustice to non-Muslims; he will become my enemy in the hereafter.” Islam is very tolerant towards other religions and accommodates different cultures. In the history of Islamic civilization in Cordova of Spain, Christian and Jewish communities remained free to practice their religious 4 rituals, celebrate their festivals, and practice their own law. In contrast, as soon as Spain was re-taken by the Spanish Christians from the North, Spanish Muslims and Jews were forced to choose either to accept Christianity or leave their country! Many Jews left Spain and found refuge in the Maghreb (Tunisia, Morocco) under Muslim rule. Whenever Jews in Europe and Russsia were persecuted, they would flee to Muslim countries where they were safe and free to practice their religion and do trade. In Muslim countries, India Buddhist temples remained open, and none of the Indian populace was forced to become Muslim as long as they accepted Muslim rule. Comprehensiveness Islamic civilization addresses all aspects of human life, individually and socially. Islamic civilization is rich in material (trade, standard of living, state and welfare institutions, education, science), cultural (literature, arts, architecture) as well as spiritual achievements (Sufism, law, ethics). While Western civilization accommodated Greek philosophy and science to Christian thought, and Roman law to Christian law, Islamic civilization is so broadly defined that it can accommodate the achievements of other civilizations and cultures without sacrificing own fundamental and without its basic features. Unity in Diversity Islamic civilization is based on one religion, namely Islam, but incorporates many different local traditions and cultures, language communities, and races as long as those elements do not contradict the Islamic teachings. The Muslim ummah is a world community, not a national community. A Muslim identity is not a national identity but a spiritual, ideological and intellectual identity. Continuity Islamic civilization is based upon Allah’s final message to mankind (the message of completeness of Islam) and its morals, values, and laws are unchangeable and valid until the end of this world. Islamic civilization had its ups and downs but it was not due to Islamic teachings. It was due to the ignorance of its teachings by Muslims. Muslims do not practice its teachings in totality. Islamic civilization experienced its excellence at the time of the Prophet SAW, the four caliphs, the four centuries after that, during the Umayyad caliphate, Abbasid, Fatimid, Ayubid and ‘Uthmani 5 caliphates (Damascus, Cordova, Baghdad, Cairo, and Istanbul) but today, Islamic civilization lacks behind in material and cultural contributions. Muslims today are lagging behind in science, in economic growth, in political power and just governments, effective administration and innovative education. Yet unlike other civilizations, Islamic civilization can become weak but it will not end and die out, like other civilizations had experienced before us. It is because the sources of Islam are never lost (the Qur’an and Sunnah) and everlasting. Islamic civilization can be revived again in any part of the world if the Muslims practise the Islamic teachings in its totality, unite, work together to build a just society based on Islam. Thus, the revival of Islamic civilization is in the hand of the Muslims. Balance between Spirituality and Materialism Western civilization is the most dominant civilization today. Western principles of law, finance, education, science, culture, and also Western values (justice, individualism, freedom) rule most parts of the world. Yet, even though Western civilization has contributed a lot to human welfare in material terms, the spiritual aspects are totally lacking because religion has no role in it. Thus, no wonder many Westerners today have turned to Eastern religions (Islam, Buddhism, etc) for spiritual and moral guidance and satisfaction. Islamic civilization on the other hand makes religion as its foundation. The principle of godliness (existence of Allah SWT) in the realm of civilization is always present. Islamic civilization is a balanced civilization that encompasses law, ethics, and spirituality and can accommodate Western scientific know-how, its intellectual culture (to a certain extent), and make it complete by adding the spiritual element which is lacking today (the criteria of absolute truth). There is no true morality without faith, and Islam addresses both needs of man, his material as well as his spiritual needs. 5.3.2 Activities a) Give three examples to show that the Western civilization is lacking of spiritual element. b) Give example that Islamic civilization is balance between material and spiritual. 6 c) Have you ever thought why almost all mosques have minarets, at least one? As a matter of fact, it is a manifestation of Islamic civilization. Is there any secret meaning behind it? Check it out! 5.4 The Differences Between Islamic and Secular/Western Civilization 5.4.1 Presentation There are differences between Islamic and Western or Secular civilization which can be summarized as follows: Islamic Civilization Western Civilization Qur’an and sunnah (for truths, Bible (until the 17th century), after values, morals, and law) that more and more philosophy (human intelligence decides about truth and good, the law) Tawhid: Allah as the One creator, Secularism: In the 20th and 21st Worldview One source of life, truth, love, and century one’s belief is his private law) choice, everyone is free to worship what and how he wishes (as Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or atheist, etc) but without claiming it as absolute truth Central values Man is given the authority over Depending on the individual’s belief earth as a deputy of Allah (khalifah) whether he sees himself as a social animal, a created human being, or a All men are equal in creation and reincarnation share the same purpose and destiny All men share the same destiny and Shari’ah = man is free to practice purpose of life but no one is really sure and apply the law decreed by Allah what it is Secular laws = man-made laws (many acts considered and punished as moral crimes 50 years ago are today no longer considered crimes, such as acts of homosexuality or adultery) All believers are one community of All humans are one community and brothers (ummah), and the believers no one has the right to claim inherit the earth leadership and superiority based on religion or ‘the truth’ Morality and ethics cannot be Morality is a matter of proper separated from belief (Islam) education and personal choice and character, not a matter of religion (utilitarianism, humanism, liberalism) Sources 7 5.4.2 Activities Find more information about the differences of both civilizations from Google. You may type “The Differences between Islamic and Western Civilization” or “Islamic and Western Civilization”. 5.5 The Greatness of Islamic Civilization 5.5.1 Presentation Islamic civilization had achieved its greatness in the past that benefited the world until today especially in the field of science. The sources of its greatness can be summarized as below: a) Integration of knowledge in Islam A society that is organized according to Islamic principles and in co-ordinance with Islamic values is a complete society. There is no science and know level of human practice and knowledge that Islam cannot accommodate. Muslim society can pursue progress in technology, economics and finance, scientific research, etc., as long as Islamic laws and values are not violated. There exists no separation between science and religion. Acquired knowledge must not contradict the revelation. Research is highly encouraged except on things that have been made certain and undisputable by the revealed knowledge. Unfortunately, there are Muslims today who have been influenced by the Western philosophy of civilization. They follow the secular model that separates science and religion. They have been imbedded by the idea that science is objective knowledge and nothing to do with religion. Religion is personal matters which deal with rituals only. Due to that, no wonder we have Muslims professionals who expert in their fields but they are lacking of religious knowledge and understanding. This is different with our past Muslim scholars who were trained in all kinds of knowledge, revealed knowledge and acquired knowledge. They in the past, would first learn the Qur’an and Sunnah on the primary school level, and then proceed to tafsir, sirah, fiqh and shari’ah on secondary school level, before gaining knowledge in other empirical sciences such as astronomy, medicine, geography, engineering, and mechanic, or theoretical sciences such as mathematics, physics, and philosophy. 8 b) Arabic language The Arabic language is the language of the Qur’an. Every Muslim is expected to learn Arabic in order to understand the Qur’an and able to recite the recitations in prayers correctly and with full understanding. In Muslim history, Arabic language was the main medium of administration, law, science, and literature. Muslim scholars – whether in Spain, Persia or in India – published their and shared their works and thoughts in Arabic. Jews and Christians in Spain and other European countries learned Arabic in order to benefit from the high standards of education in the Muslim world, just as Muslims nowadays learn English in order to benefit from European or American know-how in science, technology, and commerce. c) Political stability During the centuries of great scientific, administrative, and cultural achievements, the Muslim world was politically united and stable. They controlled the main sea ports and trade routes from Europe to China (8th century to 12th century). Strong governments were able to collect enough taxes to serve their communities (no more poverty, free education, baths, and hospitals) and make enough economic surpluses through trade. The Muslim government invested large sums money to build libraries, set up research facilities, and support scholars with generous allowances. As soon as the Muslim world came into economic and political difficulties (disintegration, local wars, rivalry), the progress in science and education in general halted and finally came to a complete standstill in the 16th century. d) Educational institutions Based on the Islamic hierarchy of knowledge, Muslims started their education at the kuttab where they learned the Qur’an (reading, memorization, and writing) and the sunnah. On the second, the madrasah level, Muslim children learned Islamic sciences such as tafsir, hadith, sirah, fiqh, and shari’ah. After that, Muslim scholars had the opportunity to master the “foreign sciences” such as philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, physics, geography, engineering, alchemy, etc. Europe owes its modern education system to Islamic civilization. The concept of “university” is derived from the Islamic jami’ah and kulliyah, meaning a place where 9 all branches of knowledge are gathered and students gain general education. The most popular and advanced educational institution was the Nizamiyah Madrasah in Baghdad (named after the minister-in-chief, Nizam al-Mulk) and al-Azhar in Cairo (originally established by the Fatimids). The Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom) was built in Baghdad during the time of the ‘Abbasid Caliph al-Ma’mun (198AH/813CE). It was a library which contained thousands of scrolls on the various sciences gathered from all parts of the world, and translated into Arabic. The Bayt al-hikmah housed a number of translators and professional scholars but was also opened to everyone who willed to study, with free paper (sheets of paper rolled up in scrolls, paper from China, Muslims soon dominated the production of paper, paper became cheaper and more affordable, ready for everyone to use) and ink provided. In Europe at that time (9th century), paper was still rare and most works were written on animal skin, and the monasteries (men of the church were the only people who had to know how to read and write) contained each but a few books on religion chained to the shelves, so precious were they. Only very few people could afford books or had access to books. The Bayt al-hikmah also served as an observatory for astronomers equipped with the latest technical devices to study the planets and the stars and make most accurate observations of the natural phenomena. e) International Business and Trade International business has a great impact on the development of civilization. By having foreign trade, goods are not the only thing of the business but knowledge is also an important thing brought by Muslim or non-Muslim traders. When Islamic civilization was high it dominated trade, science, and culture from Spain in the West to China in the East. Muslims ruled over all major trade routes from China to Europe on water (Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Mediterranean Ocean) and on land (Silk Road, routes from China to Baghdad, from Baghdad to Damascus, from Damascus, Cairo and the Maghreb to Italy) and all major Muslim cities were busting of traders, merchants, money traders, and caravans of all colors and sizes. Europe had no choice but to buy all luxury goods from Muslim traders (materials, paper, spices, sugar) via North Africa or Sham, and Italy became Europe’s richest region because it could sell its goods from Africa for high profits to its neighbors in the North. 10 As soon as Spain found a way to find independent trade routes (around Africa) to India and China, Europe was no longer dependent in Muslim trade, became a rival, and finally defeated Muslim countries economically and politically. f) Translation Activities What turned the Muslim world into the scientifically and intellectually most advanced society was the high amount of tolerance and independent spirit among Muslim rulers and scholars toward the “foreign sciences”. Muslims found it important to learn other sciences than Islamic sciences as well, and started to collect and translate Greek, Persian, and Indian works on medicine, mathematics, physics, mechanics, and philosophy. As soon as Muslim scholars were able to master those sciences and benefit from the knowledge gathered by other civilizations in the past, they succeeded in making their own scientific discoveries and wrote their own works in Arabic. Had Muslims ignored the knowledge of nature and only concentrated on revealed knowledge and the Islamic sciences, Islamic civilization would not have become a great civilization. Muslim society needs experts in all fields of knowledge, in administration, in natural science, in philosophy and thought, in technology and research, and in literature in order to keep a fine and healthy balance between people’s material, intellectual, and spiritual needs. 5.5.2 Activities Find out from Google other educational institutions that were built throughout the period of greatness of Islamic civilization in the past. 5.6 The Contributions of Islamic Civilization to the World 5.6.1 Presentation It undeniable that Islamic civilization in past had contributed a lot to human civilization. It had witnessed the emergence of many prominent Muslims scholars in various field of knowledge. Among them were Al-Khawarizmi, Al-Jabir, Ibn Sina, Ibn Rushd, Al-Kindi, AlRazi. We will their contributions in brief. Al-Khawarizmi Muhammad Ibn Musa al-Khawarizmi (780-847) Field: mathematics, astronomy, music, geography and history 11 Books: a) Al-Mafatih al-Ulum (astronomy) - was translated into Latin entitled Fratti d’Arithmetica - was printed in 1157 b) Hisab al-Jabr wal Muqabal (mathematics) c) Kitab Surah al-Ardh (geography) Al-Jabir Abu Musa Jabir Ibn Hayyan (8th Century) Famous as chemist and known as Gaber in the West Book: a) Kitab al-Sab’in b) Kitab al-Mizan (Book of Balanced Principle) - A discovery in the field of metallurgy - About theory and practice of steam, distillation and crystallization Ibn Sina Abu Ali al-Hussain Ibn Abdullah (980-1037) A Persian (Iran) and was born in Bukhara Famous in the field of medicine Known as Avicenna in the West Book: a) Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb - Was translated into 15 languages in 15th Century - In English, the book is called Medicine - Also known as Canon of Medicine Ibn Rushd Abu Walid Muhammad Ibn Ahmad (1126-1198) Known as Averrous in the West A famous philosopher, also expert in fiqh and well-known in medicine Book: a) Kulliyyah fi al-Tibb (General Principle of Medicine) - Was translated into Latin and known as Colliget Al-Kindi Abu Yusuf al-Kindi (809-873) Was an ‘ulama/scholar in many fields 12 Field of knowledge: philosophy, mathematics, music, logics, astronomy, astrology, physics, optics, pharmacy, medicine and mystical world Books were in Latin: a) De aspectibus (geometry and optical physiology) b) De Medicinarum Compesitarum Gradibus (physiology and mathematics) Al-Razi Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Zakaria al-Razi (865-925) Known as Rhazes in the West Field of knowledge: science, chemistry, physics, philosophy, music, mathematics, astronomy and ethics 5.6.2 Books: al-hawi, Kitab al-Mansuri, al-Judari wal-hasbi Contributed a lot in gynecology, obstetric and ophthalmology Activities Find out full names, names known in the West (if any), contribution, books, field of knowledge of the following prominent Muslims scholars: Science a) Al-Biruni b) Ibn Haitham c) Hunayn Ibn Ishaq d) Ahmad Ibn al-Baytar e) Al-Jahiz f) Abu Ishaq al-Bitruji Engineering a) Ibn Yunus b) Ibn Firmas c) Al-Khazini 6.0 Lesson Summary From the discussion, we can see that Islamic civilization that was rooted on the divine revelation (al-Quran and al-Sunnah) had brought abundant benefits to the mankind especially in knowledge. Islamic civilization upheld the Islamic teachings in all aspects of civilization. The upholding of the teachings ensures the everlasting of the civilization. The 13 ups and downs of Islamic civilization were not due to the teachings of Islam but in fact, it was due to Muslims who ignore the teachings of Islam and do not practice Islam in its totality in their daily life. The glory of Islamic civilization during the life of mankind is well preserved in the history of the world. These tremendous achievements were even recognized by western historians until today. So, it can be a living example to show that Islam is a religion that comes to build a progressive society and would serve the goodness and betterment of the mankind. 7.0 Self Assessment 7.1 Answer either true or false. a) Islamic civilization has never reached real greatness in real _________ b) The Qur’an encourages Muslims to acquire knowledge _________ c) Arabic language became a medium of instruction in Spain _________ d) Political stability helps the advancement of science _________ e) During the Abbasid period, the rulers did not encourage the development of knowledge _________ f) Muslim scholars mastered natural sciences and philosophy _________ g) The Bayt al-hikmah functioned as the library only _________ h) Muslim scholars did not study foreign sciences _________ i) The only element that determines Islamic civilization is the development of human personality and behaviour. j) Islamic civilization has a source which is genuinely revealed by God. k) Islamic civilization does not consider the political aspect of life. l) Any development of Islamic civilization reflects the Oneness of Allah who is the Magnificent. Answer: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) True True True True False True False False False True False 14 l) True 7.2 MCQ: 1. The concept of civilization from western perspectives results from the ________ A. revealed law B. concept of servant C. integration of knowledge D. belief in the absolute power of mind Answer: D 2. One of the elements of civilization is __________ A. modern fashion and design of clothes B. increase in the number of crimes C. high population D. systematic laws Answer: D 3. The objective of Islamic civilization is to _________ A. uphold Islam as the way of life B. ensure the safety of human beings C. let the Muslims live in luxurious lifestyle D. differentiate between the useful and useless citizens Answer: A 4. Choose the correct statement. A. Western civilization practices secularism. B. Western civilization applies ummatic approach. C. Revelation is the main source of western civilization. D. Tawhid and rabbani are important elements of western civilization. Answer: A 5. Islamic civilization is comprehensive. The statement means ___________ A. Islam is a balance religion B. Islamic civilization covers all aspects of life C. universality is a characteristic of Islamic civilization D. Islamic civilization is not confined to geographical boundaries Answer: B 6. According to Islamic perspective, any society is in the state of ‘civilization’ when ________ A. the city has good infrastructure B. it has very systematic laws and organizations 15 C. it is advanced in material, knowledge and behaviour D. the people keep moving from one place to other place Answer: C 7. A civilization is considered as tolerant when it __________ A. is confined to certain times only B. uses full authority on the others C. forces people to accept certain teaching D. accepts and respects the different cultures Answer: D 8. Which of these statements best describe about the difference between Islamic civilization and Western civilization? A. Both civilizations are based on man-made-law. B. Both civilizations believe in the authority entrusted by God. C. Islamic civilization is based on God-centered belief while Western civilization is more human centered. D. In Islamic civilization, man holds the ultimate power but western civilization believes in the concept of Hedonism (seeking pleasure). Answer: C 9. Islamic civilization as an everlasting civilization can be seen through the fact that _______ A Islam practices priestly hierarchy B Islam is not confined to certain times C the basis of Shariah was formed parallel to time changes D all the inventions should reflect the power of Allah s.w.t Answer: B 16